Category: Writing

  • Just a closer walk…

    “O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.” (Psalm 34:3)

    Glorify the Lord with me—join me in spreading the good news of the free gift of salvation. Yours for the accepting…John 3:16. Fact is, the closer I walk with my heavenly Father, the clearer I see His guidance. He cares about the tiniest details in my life, so I’m confident He can help me determine which bill to pay first and what words need to be penned so others can be blessed.

    This is my desire…just a closer walk with Thee.

    Just a Closer Walk with Thee.

    I am weak but Thou art strong–Jesus, keep me from all wrong; I’ll be satisfied as long as I walk, dear LORD, close to Thee.  

    Chorus: Just a closer walk with Thee–Grant it, Jesus, if you please; Daily walking close to Thee–Let it be, dear LORD, let it be.

    .

  • a tale of 5 stray cats

    I especially can relate to this 5 stray cats poem by Charles Bukowski. The poem is entitled, Exactly Right:

    the strays keep arriving: now we have 5
    cats and they are smart, spontaneous, self-
    absorbed, naturally poised and awesomely
    beautiful.

    (see rest of poem on the Writer’s Almanac website)… 

    https://writersalmanac.publicradio.org/index.php?date=2010/11/09

  • Trivia Prize Winner!

    Terry wins the monthly Trivia Prize!
    The B.I.C. prize (butt in the chair)

    Do writers have fun?  YES, we do!  At our last meeting, we sponsored a trivia question–do you know who the Inklings were?  Terry D. not only knew who some of the members were, where they met, but also a few published accomplishments that originated from said group. He retains the prize until we meet again as a large group and another winner is announced.  CONGRATS, Terry!

    In case you’re wondering…the Prize consists of:

    • CDs from a Philadelphia writers’ conference
    • B.I.C. award – which stands for “Butt-n-Chair” – a writer must place his butt in the chair in order to create writing material

    Answer to the trivia question:

    “The Inklings was an informal literary discussion group associated with the University of Oxford, England, for nearly two decades between the early 1930s and late 1949.  The Inklings were literary enthusiasts who praised the value of narrative in fiction, and encouraged the writing of fantasy. Although Christian values were notably present in several members’ work, there were also irreligious members of the discussion group. 

    Readings and discussions of the members’ unfinished works were the principal purposes of meetings. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, Lewis’s Out of the Silent Planet, and Williams’s All Hallows’ Eve were among the novels first read to the Inklings.” (Wikipedia)  Meetings were not all serious—the Inklings amused themselves by having competitions to see who could read famously bad prose for the longest without laughing.

    Regular members included JRR “Tollers” Tolkien and CS “Jack” Lewis. Interesting…their meeting place was a local pub. Some of what became important texts of the 20th century were first read amongst friends at Inklings meeting.

    And I have no doubt that many accomplished works will originate from our group as well!

    .

  • 6:30 am and only 29 degrees!

    Awake at 2:30 am debating to myself about which wording to use in my writing project, got out of bed, worked on project, and went back to bed.

    Alarm rings at 6:30—yet, now I’m wrestling about my dream and how it could have ended differently.

    Maybe I should decrease my sweet intake…??

    .

  • Rain-Rain-more Rain & WIND!

     

    I absolutely LOVE the smell of fresh falling rain…even if it is falling horizontally due to a high wind tornado advisory!  Outdoors is not an option…perfect day to be inside and writing.

    .

  • just a closer walk with Thee

    “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:24)

    When I read this passage in Psalms 31, I hear God saying to be brave and very strong. Don’t give up now; you’re almost finished. Remain steadfast and immobile in what I know is right and what is wrong. When my world closes in, I must go to God in honesty and prayer. Signs my world closes in around me:

    • Stacks of bills
    • Laundry awaits (and grows!)
    • Meals to be made
    • Family and friends to visit
    • Letters and articles to write
    • Meetings to attend
    • Unreturned e-mail and voicemails

    God is able to strengthen my heart and body. He can put a new song on my lips of praise to Him and His mighty works. He can rearrange my priorities so that my neglected list becomes completed:

    • Consistent quiet time, including prayer
    • Scripture meditation
    • Writing notes and devotionals
    • Study of God’s Word
    • Singing praise songs to my Redeemer

    “O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.” (Psalm 34:3)

    Glorify the Lord with me—join me in spreading the good news of the free gift of salvation. Yours for the accepting…John 3:16. Fact is, the closer I walk with my heavenly Father, the clearer I see His guidance. He cares about the tiniest details in my life, so I’m confident He can help me determine which bill to pay first and what words need to be penned so others can be blessed.

    This is my desire…just a closer walk with Thee.

    Just a Closer Walk with Thee.

    I am weak but Thou art strong–Jesus, keep me from all wrong;

    I’ll be satisfied as long as I walk, dear LORD, close to Thee.

    Chorus:

    Just a closer walk with Thee–Grant it, Jesus, if you please; daily walking close to Thee–Let it be, dear LORD, let it be.

     Thru this world of toil and snares, if I falter, LORD, who cares? Who with me my burden shares? None but Thee, dear LORD, none but Thee.

     When my feeble life is o’er, time for me will be no more; on that bright eternal shore, I will walk, dear Lord, close to Thee

     Teresa Kay Lasher ©2010

    10/20/2010 9:48:25 AM

    .

  • Nurture your Creativity

     

    “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship.” – Exodus 31:3-5

    This passage in Exodus is God’s instruction to Moses regarding co-laborers Bezalel and Oholiab, Bezalel’s helper. Have you ever heard of Bezalel or Oholiab? I hadn’t until I read this in Scripture today. Most of us recognize the names of Moses and Aaron (spokesman for Moses and first High Priest). Yet, if I read further that God gave skill to all the craftsmen to make everything He commanded them to make. (31:6) These guys were special—special enough to be mentioned in God’s recording of history.

    These workers were hand-picked, chosen by God, for a special task of building a tabernacle for a center of worship for the Israelites after they escaped Egypt and the wicked King Pharaoh. When God calls, He equips—that goes for you and for me too. Whatever your talent…maybe you work with stones or wood. Some sew quilts or knit soft baby sweaters. Your skills may fall in the numbers category or words. In my case, I write. I write so others can read my words and hopefully be strengthened and blessed. This creative spirit is part of our heritage and dare not be wasted or taken for granted.

    “Nurturing our creativity is part of our responsibility as stewards of God’s good gifts.” (Emilie Barnes) Let’s go out today and find ways to nurture that God-given creativity!

    .

  • Musing Beachside

     

    “The one who knows much says little; an understanding person remains calm. Even dunces who keep quiet are thought to be wise; as long as they keep their mouths shut, they’re smart…Many words rush along like rivers in flood, but deep wisdom flows up from artesian springs.” (Proverbs 17:27-28, 18:4/The Message)

    To be quite honest, I find it a bit disturbing when I read parts of the passage in Proverbs, such as “the one who knows much says little.”  As a writer, I often receive payment for each word I write…the more words, the more money. So, economically speaking it pays to write a lot of words. At the Maranatha writers’ conference, I heard the term “write tight” many times. The idea is to use as few words as possible in order to convey your thoughts, or less is best.

    As I consider the wise words in the book of Proverbs, the caution here for me is restraint. Not only should each word on paper be true and tight, but if I have nothing honorable to say, I’m better off saying nothing and remaining calm.

    I love the analogy of wisdom flowing up from artesian springs or bubbling brooks. I’d really like to be that type of refreshment to my family, friends, and others as I come in contact with them today.

    .

  • Day #2 of writers’ conference

     

    I’ve had two very long, but profitable days so far!  Thanks for your prayers.  I met with a very encouraging editorial advisor who liked my book proposal and asked me to send it to him.  PTL!

    • Panel experts discuss publishing opportunities
    • Learned about developing and syndicating a newspaper column
    • Using the Blogosphere and the Internet
    • Writing to change lives
    • Ended the day with me being on a panel discussion about benefits of writers’ groups
    • Networked with a few friends I’d met last year, and made a few new friends

    “Lord, I life Your name on high…Lord, I love to sing Your praises…I’m so glad You’re in my life…I’m so glad You came to save us!”

  • The Feeling Writer

    I continue to be amazed at the people God placed this year at Maranatha Writers Conference.  Jerry Jenkins speaks on, “The Feeling Writer.”  One of the things he asked us, “Can you still be moved?”  First, I have to be moved by what I write. I have to be moved in order for the reader to be moved.

    Do God’s acts of creation such as the wind, water, birds and fish still move me? Cause me to look up and say, “These are wonders to behold–thank you, God.”

     Challenge:  Do verses in the Bible still warm my heart?  Am I daily moved and motivated?  Psalm 91:1, 2

     “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

    .